Assessment Regulations for
Undergraduate Programmes
(including relevant Post-experience and Continuing Professional Development Awards)
Issued by the Standards and Enhancement Office,
2015 – 2016 Edition
Approved by Senate June 2014
Technical updates of this document are undertaken on an annual basis to reflect changes to the
University’s organisational and management structures and to incorporate earlier, approved
amendments to related policies, procedures and regulations
This document relates to the current year. If you become aware of any previous versions that are
available on line please notify SEO@bolton.ac.uk so that action can be taken to remove the
document(s).
1
Contents
Scope
3
Definitions
3
Course Regulations
5
Modules
5
Structure of University Awards
6
Structure of other undergraduate awards
7
Programmes of study
8
Duration of study
8
Assessment
9
Extensions
10
Word limits
11
Engagement
11
Determination of results and action to be taken
12
Compensation
13
Structure and content of re-assessments
14
Award
14
Classification
15
ACM20
16
ACM6
16
Annex A: University Marking Criteria
Annex B: Supplementary Regulations for Joint Honours awards
Appendix 1: Rules for the use of Combined Studies award titles
Annex C: Supplementary regulation for the use of Elective modules
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20
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2
Scope
This regulation applies to:
a) students whose programme of study commenced in 2014-15 or subsequent
academic years; and
b) students whose programme of study commenced in previous academic years, but
who have experienced an interruption to study or who failed to proceed to their next
level of study.
For all students whose programme of study commenced before 2014-15,
progression decision made on the previous academic session of 2013-14 shall
stand. For all progression decisions made thereafter, this regulation shall be used.
Definitions
The following definitions are used in these regulations:
Academic year: A defined period, normally lasting twelve months, in which the
delivery of a level of study, or a portion thereof, is undertaken.
Award: Any formal qualification awarded by the University to an individual student
which may be either an End Qualification or an Intermediate Award
Assessment Board: A committee to agree final student marks, determine
progression and award of an Intermediate Award or End Qualification as outlined in
the Regulations for the Organisation and Conduct of Assessment Boards.
Assessment Component: An assessment component is one of the assessments
on a module from which the final mark/outcome for the module is derived. This is
commonly referred to as summative assessment. Formative assessments
(assessments which do not count towards the formal outcome of the module) are not
considered to be assessment components for the purpose of this regulation.
End Qualification: The qualification aim for which the student is registered.
Intermediate Awards: The highest level of award which a student achieves who has
not successfully completed the End Qualification.
Proceed: where an undergraduate student without 120 credits at one academic level
is, as a result of the decision of the Examination Board, allowed to start to study at
the next academic level.
Programme: A collection of modules grouped under a specific title, the details of
which have been approved by Senate as leading to appropriate End Qualifications
and/or Intermediate Awards.
Programme of study: The modules pursued by a student in respect of their
programme.
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Progress: Where an undergraduate student gains 120 credits at an academic level
and so is deemed to have completed that level of study.
PSRB: A Professional, Statutory or Regulatory body. This includes, but is not limited
to, accrediting bodies and statutory bodies that deal with legal requirements and
immigration.
Senate: Any reference to Senate in these regulations shall be deemed to include a
reference to any committee of Senate to which Senate has delegated the relevant
authority.
Stage: an academic level of study as outlined in the Programme Specification.
Any reference in these regulations to the Academic Registrar, Head of School or
School Co-ordinator, or other named officer of the University shall be deemed to
include a reference to any person designated by that officer for the purpose.
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1
Course Regulations
1.1
There shall be course regulations in a form approved by Senate and named
as such.
1.2
In course regulations, any deviation from, or modification to this Regulation in
respect of any programme shall require the approval of Senate.
2
Modules
2.1
Throughout all undergraduate programmes one credit is associated with ten
hours of notional learning time. The distribution of the total notional learning
time for a module shall be part of the module descriptor approved at the time
of validation and shall adhere to the University Policy on Standardised Hours,
where applicable.
2.2
Normally, a student will not be permitted to study with attendance for more
than 80 credits in one semester, unless this has been approved by the
relevant Programme Leader and Assessment Board. In respect of part-time
students, no more than 100 credits may normally be studied in an academic
year.
2.3
Where a module is defined as a pre-requisite module in the relevant
programme specification, students must normally pass such a module before
being allowed to proceed to take any linked further module(s). Exceptions
may be allowed at the discretion of an Assessment Board, on the advice of
the tutor(s) for the linked further module(s).
2.4
Credit-bearing modules shall be designated as one of FHEQ Level 3
(Foundation), FHEQ Level 4, FHEQ Level 5, FHEQ Level 6 and FHEQ Level
7, as per the integrated credit framework for England, Wales and Northern
Ireland.
2.5
Modules may be designated as Core (compulsory) or Optional within a
programme.
2.6
A student may only change modules with the agreement of the Programme
Leader and relevant Module Tutors. Any such changes after a module
commences may only take place in exceptional circumstances and normally
within the first two weeks of the module commencing, failing which the change
will not be permitted and the original module will remain on the student's
record.
2.7
A student may normally only withdraw from a module within the first two
weeks of the module commencing and with the approval of the Module Tutor
and Programme Leader. A student will normally be required to take an
alternate module for the appropriate number of credits and at the appropriate
level of study, unless the student has withdrawn from the programme or
suspended their studies. Withdrawal without permission and/or beyond this
point without good reason will be recorded at an Assessment Board as a
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failure in the module (including any project or dissertation module).
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Structure of University Awards
3.1
A programme of study leading to a University Foundation Certificate shall
consist of modules to the value of at least 120 credits, including at least 100
credits at FHEQ Level 3 or higher and no more than 20 credits at FHEQ Level
2. The University Foundation Certificate may be designated as either an end
qualification or intermediate award.
3.2
A programme of study leading to a University Certificate of Higher Education
shall consist of modules to the value of at least 120 credits at FHEQ Level 4
or higher or 100 credits at FHEQ Level 4 or higher and 20 credits at FHEQ
Level 3. The University Certificate of Higher Education may be designated as
either an end qualification or intermediate award.
3.3
A programme of study leading to a University Diploma of Higher Education or
a University Foundation Degree shall consist of modules to the value of 240
credits, including the following:
at least 120 credits as in 3.2 above and;
at least 120 credits at FHEQ Level 5 or higher or 100 credits at FHEQ
Level 5 or higher and 20 credits at FHEQ Level 4.
The University Diploma of Higher Education may be designated as either an
end qualification or intermediate award. A University Foundation Degree may
be designated as an end qualification.
3.4
A programme of study leading to the award of a University Honours Degree
shall consist of modules to the value of at least 360 credits, including the
following:
at least 120 credits as in 3.2 above and;
at least 120 credits at FHEQ Level 5 or higher or 100 credits at FHEQ
Level 5 or higher and 20 credits at FHEQ Level 4 and;
at least 120 credits at FHEQ Level 6 or higher.
The University Honours Degree may be designated as either an end
qualification or intermediate award, where this is permitted by a PSRB.
3.5
A programme of study leading to the award of a University Integrated Masters
Degree shall consist of modules to the value of at least 480 credits, including
the following:
at least 120 credits as in 3.2 above and;
at least 120 credits at FHEQ Level 5 or higher or 100 credits at FHEQ
Level 5 or higher and 20 credits at FHEQ Level 4 and;
at least 120 credits at FHEQ Level 6 or and;
at least 120 credits at FHEQ Level 7.
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A University Integrated Masters Degree may be an end qualification.
3.6
A programme of study leading to the award of a University Graduate
Certificate shall consist of a minimum of 60 credits at FHEQ Level 6 or higher.
A University Graduate Certificate may be an end qualification.
3.7
A programme of study leading to the award of a University Graduate
Diploma shall consist of a minimum of 100 credits at FHEQ Level 6 or higher.
A University Graduate Diploma may be an end qualification.
3.8
A programme of study leading to the award of a Certificate in Education shall
consist of at least 100 credits at FHEQ Level 5 and 20 credits at FHEQ Level
4. A Certificate in Education may be an end qualification.
3.9
A programme of study leading to the award of a Professional Graduate
Certificate in Education shall consist of at least 75 credits at FHEQ Level 6, 25
credits at FHEQ Level 5 and 20 credits at FHEQ Level 4. A Professional
Graduate Certificate in Education may be an end qualification.
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Structure of other undergraduate awards
4.1
A programme of study leading to a Higher National Certificate (HNC) shall
consist of modules to the value of at least 120 credits, including at least 100
credits at FHEQ Level 4 or higher and a maximum of 20 credits at FHEQ
Level 3. The Higher National Certificate may be designated as an end
qualification.
4.2
A programme of study leading to a Higher National Diploma (HND) shall
consist of modules to the value of at least 240 credits, including;
at least 120 credits at FHEQ Level 5 or higher and;
at least 100 credits at FHEQ Level 4 or higher and a maximum of 20
credits at FHEQ Level 3.
A Higher National Diploma may be designated as an end qualification.
4.3
A programme of study leading to the award of a University Certificate (of
Continuing Professional Development) shall consist of modules taken at
FHEQ Level 4 or higher to the volume approved for particular awards at
validation. A University Certificate (of Continuing Professional Development)
may be an end qualification.
4.4
A programme of study leading to the award of a University Diploma (of
Continuing Professional Development) shall consist of modules taken at
FHEQ Level 5 or higher to the volume approved for particular awards at
validation. A University Diploma (of Continuing Professional Development)
may be an end qualification.
4.5
A programme of study leading to the award of a University Advanced Diploma
(of Continuing Professional Development) shall consist of modules taken at
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FHEQ Level 6 to the volume(s) approved for particular awards at validation. A
University Advanced Diploma (of Continuing Professional Development) may
be an end qualification.
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Programmes of Study
5.1
Students may substitute studies undertaken at other institutions of higher
education for Bolton-based modules where such studies constitute part of an
exchange scheme or formal credit transfer or recognition agreement, the
terms and conditions of which have been approved by Senate.
5.2
No student may undertake modules outside of his/her approved programme
without the prior approval of the Academic Registrar.
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Duration of study
6.1
The normal planned duration of the following programmes of study shall each
be one year of full-time study (or its part-time equivalent):
University Foundation Certificate
University Certificate of Higher Education
Higher National Certificate (HNC)
University Graduate Diploma
Professional Diploma in Education
Professional Graduate Diploma in Education
6.2
The normal planned duration of the following programmes of study shall each
be two years of full-time study (or its part-time equivalent):
University Foundation Degree
University Diploma of Higher Education
Higher National Diploma (HND)
6.3
The normal planned duration of a University Degree/Degree with Honours
shall be three years of full-time study (or its part-time equivalent).
6.4
The normal planned duration of an Integrated Master’s Degree shall be four
years of full-time study (or its part-time equivalent).
6.5
The normal planned duration of a Sandwich Degree/Sandwich Degree with
Honours shall be four years of full-time study (or its part-time equivalent).
6.6
The normal planned duration of Continuing Professional Development Awards
shall be related to the volume of credit making up the award and will be
approved at the time of validation.
6.7
The normal planned duration of the Graduate Certificate shall be one
semester of full-time study (or its part-time equivalent).
6.8
The normal planned duration of the Graduate Diploma shall be two semesters
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of full-time study (or its part-time equivalent).
6.9
The maximum period of registration is normally approximately twice the
normal planned duration (as defined in the regulation on Awards of the
University). The maximum period of registration will normally include any
sabbatical periods taken out by a student. The Academic Registrar, may,
having regard for the standard of the award and the course objectives and
regulations, and on the advice of the Chair of the Assessment Board, use
discretion to extend a student’s registration period.
6.10
Where a PSRB requires that the maximum period of registration shall be
shorter than that defined in this regulation, the requirement of the PSRB shall
apply. Students shall be informed where the maximum period of registration is
shorter than that outlined in 6.9.
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Assessment
7.1
All modules shall be assessed in accordance with the University’s agreed
marking criteria, either by:
7.1.1 in-course assessment conducted during the semester(s) in which the
module(s) is/are completed; or
7.1.2 examination during an examination period; or
7.1.3 a combination of both 7.1.1 and 7.1.2.
7.2
The method of assessment for each module, including the weighting for each
element of the assessment, shall be notified to students.
7.3
In exceptional circumstances, with the approval of the Chair of the relevant
Assessment Board, an alternate form of assessment to that outlined in the
approved programme documentation, which covers the same Learning
Outcomes, may be approved for students with individual needs, where this is
supported by appropriate evidence and where such adjustments are deemed
to be reasonable and can be made without endangering the safety of the
award or unduly providing any student with an advantage or disadvantage.
7.4
The minimum mark for a pass in each module shall be 40%. Where a student
satisfies the examiners in a module, he/she shall be awarded the appropriate
credits at the specified level. This shall normally be calculated through a
simple weighted mean of the assessment components, so long as an attempt
has been made in each component. Where a PSRB requires a pass mark in
each component, this shall be recorded in the relevant module specification
and notified to students.
7.5
A student who passes a module in which he/she has previously failed, shall
be credited with the minimum mark for a pass irrespective of the actual mark
achieved, unless the Assessment Board has deemed the reassessment to be
a first attempt.
7.6
A student shall normally be permitted one attempt to redeem unsatisfactory
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performance in a module. At the discretion of the Assessment Board, one
further final attempt may be made to redeem unsatisfactory performance.
7.7
Only University modules may be used to calculate the classification of an
award.
7.8
Where a programme of study includes one or more periods of
industrial/professional training or periods of study/work experience either in
UK or abroad, the student’s performance may also be assessed in these
periods and may contribute to the final assessment. Such periods shall be
detailed in the relevant programme specification.
7.9
A student who has been awarded credit in a module shall not be permitted to
be reassessed in that module with a view to improving his/her mark.
7.10
If students (by reason of absence, non-submission of work, or poor
performance) do not satisfy an Assessment Board in assessment components
for any modules and it is established to the satisfaction of the Assessment
Board via the University’s Mitigating Circumstances procedure that this was
due to proven illness or other circumstances found valid on production of
evidence, then the Board shall use its discretion to ensure that the students
are not disadvantaged or advantaged as a result.
Extensions
7.11
In the case of coursework assessments, programme leaders have, in cases of
proven illness or other circumstances found valid on production of convincing
evidence by the student, discretion to allow the assessments to be submitted
late and for them to be marked as if submitted on time. The cases shall then
be submitted to the Head of School in the School who shall monitor and
regulate the circumstances in which short term extensions are granted. The
maximum extension to be granted under these circumstances is seven
calendar days. Any request for an extension to a submission deadline must
normally be made by the student, and decided upon by the programme
leader, before the original submission date.
7.12
Requests for extensions for periods longer than 7 calendar days must be
made using the University’s Mitigating Circumstances procedures.
7.13
Students who fail to submit assessments by the prescribed date, or the
revised date, as outlined in 7.11 and 7.12, shall be subject to the following
penalties.
Up to 7 calendar days late
= 10 marks subtracted but if the assignment
would normally gain a pass mark, then the
final mark to be no lower than the pass
mark for the assignment.
Up to 10 calendar days late
= 20 marks subtracted but if the assignment
would normally gain a pass mark, then the
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final mark to be no lower than the pass
mark for the assignment.
More than 10 calendar days late = 1 mark awarded.
7.14
All assessed work should be submitted as specified in the Student Handbook,
or equivalent. Coursework not submitted will be recorded as unsatisfactory.
7.15
Where assessments are graded Pass/Fail only they will not be accepted
beyond the deadline date for submission and will be recorded as a Fail.
Students may request an extension to the original published deadline date as
described above.
Word limits
7.16
Any relevant word limit for an assessment component shall be specified in the
assessment brief. Students shall be informed in the programme handbook of
any penalties to be applied if they exceed the specified word limit in a written
assessment. This limit shall not include references cited in the text, rubric
associated with tables, figures, diagrams or appendices and reference lists at
the end of the assessment but will include any direct quotations.
7.17
Where a word limit is specified for a written assessment, students shall
include the number of words at the end of the assessment.
7.18
Students who exceed a specified word limit for a written assessment shall be
subject to the following penalty system.
Up to 10% over the specified word length = no penalty
10 – 20% over the specified indicative word length = 5 marks subtracted but if
the assessment would normally gain a pass mark, then the final mark to be no
lower than the pass mark for the assessment.
More than 20% over the indicative word length = if the assessment would
normally gain a pass mark, then the final mark to be the pass mark for the
assessment.
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Engagement
8.1
Students must attend the scheduled learning and teaching events for each
module. In respect of students pursuing a programme of study by distance
learning, this shall include scheduled activities and interactions.
8.2
Students shall be required to submit and/or attend each assessment
component at the dates and times prescribed. Failure to submit in an
assessment component without good reason shall result in the student being
deemed unsatisfactory in the particular module and a mark of 0 will be
recorded.
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8.3
Attendance shall be recorded for all elements of a programme of study.
Students with poor attendance shall be reported to the relevant personal tutor,
for action who will pursue this in line with University and/or PSRB policy.
8.4
Students who fail to give formal notice in writing of their intention to withdraw
from their programme or its elements and who do not complete assessments
will normally be deemed to have failed the programme or its specific
elements.
8.5
Students must formally request permission from their Head of School in
writing if they wish temporarily to suspend their studies.
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Determination of results and action to be taken
9.1
The relevant Assessment Board shall determine for FHEQ Level 3, FHEQ
Level 4 and FHEQ Level 5:
i.
the student’s mark for each module; and that
ii.
the student has achieved 120 credits at the relevant FHEQ Level and is
therefore permitted to progress to the next academic stage of the
programme, or
iii.
the student be awarded the end qualification and with what
classification, if any; or
iv.
the student has achieved 80 credits and is therefore permitted to
proceed to the next academic stage of the programme, or
v.
the student not be permitted to proceed to the next academic stage of
the programme; or
vi.
the student not be awarded the end qualification; and/or
vii.
the student be awarded an intermediate qualification and be deemed to
have completed their studies; or
viii.
the student not be awarded a qualification and be deemed to have
completed their studies.
9.2
The relevant Assessment Board shall determine for FHEQ Level 6;
i.
the student’s marks for each module; and that
ii.
the student has achieved 120 credits at FHEQ Level 6 and is therefore
permitted to progress to the next academic stage of the programme; or
iii.
the student be awarded the end qualification and with what
classification, if any; or
iv.
the student not be awarded the end qualification; and/or
v.
the student be awarded an intermediate qualification and be deemed to
have completed their studies; or
vi.
the student not be awarded a qualification and be deemed to have
completed their studies.
9.3
The relevant Assessment Board shall determine for FHEQ Level 7:
i. the student’s mark for each module; and that
ii. the student be awarded the end qualification and with what
classification, if any; or
iii. the student not be awarded the end qualification; and/or
iv. the student be awarded an intermediate qualification and be deemed to
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v.
have completed their studies; or
the student not be awarded the end qualification and be deemed to
have completed their studies.
9.4
A student shall only be permitted to continue to pursue a programme of study
provided that it remains possible for him/her to complete the programme
within the approved time-limit. In addition:
i.
a student who has failed one or more core modules within a
programme on two occasions may be offered a third, final attempt. If
the student fails to satisfy the examiners then the student shall be
deemed to have failed and finished the programme;
ii.
no student may proceed to FHEQ Level 6 who has not gained 120
credits at FHEQ Level 4 and at least 80 credits at FHEQ Level 5;
iii.
no student may proceed to FHEQ Level 7 who has not gained 120
credits at FHEQ Level 5 and 120 credits at FHEQ Level 6.
9.5
The relevant Assessment Board shall determine whether a student who:
i.
has not been permitted to progress or proceed; or
ii.
has not been recommended for the award of the end qualification and
is not deemed to have completed their studies;
iii.
be required either to: repeat the year with part time attendance or
reassessment only, in which case the student will retain the credits for
each passed module and retrieve each failed module by undertaking
one of the following:
a. re-assessment in the failed module(s) at the next opportunity (a
‘refer’ decision); or
b. re-assessment in the failed module(s) without attendance on the
module(s) during the following session (a ‘refer’ decision); or
c. re-assessment in the failed module(s) with attendance on the
module(s) during the following session (a ‘repeat’ decision).
9.6
An Assessment Board may decide that a student’s profile of module results
may be amended by the following process prior to arriving at one of the
decisions above:
Compensation:
i.
To decide that satisfactory overall performance (including attendance
and conduct where appropriate) can compensate for unsatisfactory
performance in a module with a mark normally no lower than 35
percent in any assessment component such that the positive aspects
of the overall performance outweigh the area of unsatisfactory
performance. The mark is not adjusted and a pass is recorded and
credit awarded but with a note that compensation has been applied.
This is discretionary and will not be utilised where the module is
deemed to be essential to the fulfilment of the learning outcomes for
the programme nor where there is evidence that no serious attempt
has been made to fulfil the assessment requirements or where PSRB
requirements deem that this may not be used. A maximum of modules
worth one sixth of the total credits constituting a particular Stage of a
student’s programme may be compensated.
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10
Structure and content of re-assessments
10.1
Where a student is required to be re-assessed in one or more assessment
components, the re-assessment shall be of the same structure as the
assessment at the time of the initial failure, unless:
i.
an alternate form of re-assessment has been approved for the purpose
in which case this shall be stated in the relevant module specification;
or
ii.
the relevant Assessment Board decides that this is not practical.
Re-assessments shall be based upon the same syllabus as the original
assessment.
10.2
Where a student is permitted to be re-assessed in one or more failed modules
without attendance on the module(s), the following arrangements shall apply:
i.
for re-assessment within one year of the initial failure, the reassessment shall be of the same structure and be based upon the
same syllabus as the assessment at the time of the initial failure
unless;
a. an alternate form of re-assessment has been approved for the
purpose in which case this shall be stated in the relevant module
specification; or
b. the relevant Assessment Board decides that this is not practical;
ii.
for re-assessment beyond one year of the initial failure, where the
structure of the assessment is different from that at the time of the
initial failure and/or the re-assessment is to be based upon a different
syllabus, the Head of School concerned shall make arrangements for
the student to be:
a. informed of changes in the structure of the assessment and the
syllabus content; and
b. offered, for an appropriate fee, the opportunity of attending
relevant classes.
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Award
11.1
Students will only be eligible for any particular award defined below if it is
defined as available within their programme specification; each award will only
be issued under the circumstances defined in the regulations on the Awards
of the University.
11.1
To qualify for an award, a candidate must:
i.
have enrolled with the University before proceeding to the prescribed
programme of study; and
ii.
have paid all prescribed fees and charges; and
iii.
in accordance with 11.2, 11.3, 11.4 and 11.5 below have satisfactorily
completed a full-time or part-time programme of study, within the
maximum period of time defined above.
11.2
A student who has satisfied the examiners in at least 120 credits at FHEQ
Level 3 or higher, in accordance with 3.1 above, shall be eligible for the award
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of a University Foundation Certificate which is an unclassified award.
11.3
A student who has satisfied the examiners in at least 120 credits at FHEQ
Level 4 or higher, in accordance with 3.2 above, shall be eligible for the award
of a University Certificate of Higher Education which is an unclassified award
or a Higher National Certificate which is a classified award and uses the
classification outlined in 12.4 below.
11.4
A student who has satisfied the examiners in at least 240 credits including a
minimum of 120 credits at FHEQ Level 4 or higher and a minimum of 120
credits at FHEQ Level 5 or higher in accordance with 3.3 above, shall be
eligible for the award of a University Diploma of Higher Education which is an
unclassified award or a Higher National Diploma which is a classified award
and uses the classification outlined in 12.4 below.
11.5
A student who has pursued a programme of study consisting of at least 360
credits in accordance with 3.4 above and who has satisfied the examiners in:
a minimum of 120 credits at FHEQ Level 4 or higher; and a minimum of 120
credits at FHEQ Level 5 or higher; and a minimum of 120 credits at FHEQ
Level 6 shall where he or she satisfies the requirements of the classification
scheme as approved by Senate (cf. 12.6 below) be recommended to Senate
for the award of a University Honours Degree. A student who has satisfied the
examiners in at least 300 credits in accordance with 3.4 above and who has a
minimum of 60 credits at FHEQ Level 6 may be awarded an Ordinary Degree,
which is an unclassified award.
11.6
Students who register for certain end qualifications may be required by the
course regulations to satisfy the Assessment Board in all those modules
identified as requirements for the purposes of professional exemption.
11.7
Unless otherwise agreed by Senate in respect of specific courses, no student
may receive more than one award for study on a course.
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Classification
12.1
Higher National Certificates shall be accorded an overall grade based on the
average mark for modules worth 120 credits at FHEQ Levels 4 and 5, which
represent the best marks achieved by a student at those Levels, using the
scheme in 12.4 below.
12.2
Higher National Diplomas and Foundation Degrees shall be accorded an
overall grade based on the average mark for all modules at FHEQ Level 5,
using the scheme in 12.4 below.
12.3
Integrated Masters Degrees shall be accorded an overall grade based on the
average mark for all modules at FHEQ Level 7, using the scheme in 12.4
below.
12.4
The following scheme shall be used for the classification of Higher National
Certificates, Higher National Diplomas, Foundation Degrees and Integrated
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Masters Degrees:
12.5
Grade
Mark
Distinction
Merit
Pass
70%-100%
60-69%
40-59%
Honours degree students shall be awarded the honours classification
resulting from the application of the following algorithms:
Rule ACM20
A weighted average of the marks from modules worth a total of 200 credits at
FHEQ Levels 5 and 6 combined, including the marks from modules worth no
more than 80 credits at least at FHEQ Level 5 (weighted 30 percent) and
marks from modules worth at least 120 credits at FHEQ Level 6 (weighted 70
percent), which represent the best marks achieved by a student at those
Levels.
Where the average falls unequivocally into one of the following bands: 48.00 49.99, 58.00 - 59.99, 68.00 - 69.99; and a student has achieved marks clearly
in an honours classification category higher than their average for modules
worth at least 120 credits, drawn from FHEQ Levels 5 and/or 6, then a student
shall be awarded an honours degree in the classification category one higher
than that indicated by their average.
OR
Rule ACM6
A simple average of the equally weighted marks from modules worth 120
credits at FHEQ Level 6 which represent the best marks achieved by a
student at that Level.
Where a student has been permitted entry with advanced standing such that
they only have credits at FHEQ Level 6, the following addition to the algorithm
may apply: Where the average falls unequivocally into one of the following
bands: 48.00 – 49.99, 58.00 – 59.99, 68.00 – 69.99; and a student has
achieved marks clearly in an honours classification category higher than their
average for modules worth at least 80 credits, then a student shall be
awarded an honours degree in the classification category one higher than that
indicated by their average.
12.6
Students who have attained the required standard, according to the
classification scheme shall be awarded the degree with honours classification
as follows:
First Class
Second Class Division I
70-100%
60-69%
16
Second Class Division II
Third Class
50-59%
40-49%
17
ANNEXES
ANNEX A
University Marking Criteria
Assessment Criteria and Marks
The generic assessment criteria used by all Assessment Boards will be those which
are defined in the University’s Academic Regulations on the Assessment of Students
and which will be adopted at School level. All recommendations coming to
Assessment Boards should be formulated in accordance with these criteria and
expressed in the form of a numerical mark as follows, except for Pass/Fail
assessment components and modules:
Grade Description
Mark
Hons Degree Class
Work of Exceptional
Quality
70-100
First
Work of Very Good
Quality
60-69
2.i
Work of Good
Quality
50-59
2.ii
Work of Satisfactory
Quality
40-49
Third
Fail
below 40
Definitions of Assessment Criteria
The definitions of the above criteria are:
Work of Exceptional Quality
Virtually all of the relevant information/skills accurately deployed. Excellent and
exceptional grasp of theoretical, conceptual, analytical and practical elements. Very
effective integration of theory, practice and information in relation to the objectives of
the assessment. Substantial evidence of originality and creativity as appropriate to
the subject.
Work of Very Good Quality
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Most of the relevant information/skills accurately deployed. Good grasp of
theoretical, conceptual, analytical, practical elements. Effective integration of theory,
practice and information in relation to the objectives of the assessment. Significant
evidence of originality and creativity as appropriate to the subject.
Work of Good Quality
Some of the relevant information/skills accurately deployed. Adequate grasp of
theoretical, conceptual, analytical and practical elements. Fair integration of theory,
practice and information in relation to the objectives of the assessment. Some
evidence of originality and creativity as appropriate to the subject.
Work of Satisfactory Quality
The intended learning outcomes are achieved at the threshold standard. Basic
deployment of information/ skills. Some grasp of theoretical, conceptual, analytical
and practical elements. Some integration of theory, practice and information in
relation to the objectives of the assessment. Limited evidence of originality and
creativity as appropriate to the subject and the level of the award.
Fail
Little evidence of the information, skills, theoretical, conceptual, analytical, creative
or practical elements relevant to the assessment. Mainly irrelevant and/or incorrect
information provided. Scant evidence of understanding of the requirements of the
assessment.
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ANNEX B
Supplementary regulation for Joint Honours awards
1.
Scope
This supplementary regulation shall apply to students who have undertaken a
programme of study leading to a joint award who commenced their studies
prior to the 2014-15 academic session. This regulation should be read in
conjunction with the assessment regulations for undergraduate programmes.
2.
The Relationship between Modules, Pathways, Programmes and Awards
(i)
Modules will normally be approved as belonging to one or more Pathways
within the undergraduate modular curriculum. Pathways will be designated as
Pathway Types (i.e. Single, Joint) and this designation will determine the
number of credits a student is normally required to take when they choose a
pathway type. The normal minimum and maximum number of approved
credits required to define the pathway type or mode will be:
Level HE 4 Credits
Minimum (out of 120)
Single Subject
Joint
Maximum (out of 120)
80
120
40
60
Level HE 5 Credits
Minimum (out of 120)
Single Subject
Joint
Maximum (out of 120)
80
120
40
60
Level HE 6 Credits
Minimum (out of 120)
Single Subject
Joint
Maximum (out of 120)
80
120
40
60
Programme regulations will specify the precise requirements for individual
pathways.
(ii)
The credit point equivalence for the designation of the titles of awards for all
programmes of study is defined in the Academic Regulations on the
20
Operation of Programmes of Study. Titles of awards for combined
programmes of study will be confirmed by Assessment Boards in accordance
with the rules for the use of Combined Studies award titles given in Appendix
1 to this supplementary regulations.
(iii)
A student will define a Programme on the basis of a choice of a single
Pathway, or a combination of Joint Pathways, or an individually negotiated
programme as their route through the undergraduate modular curriculum. The
Student Programme will lead to one of the defined Awards available in
accordance with University Regulations. Awards will be determined by
Assessment Boards.
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APPENDIX 1: RULES FOR THE USE OF COMBINED STUDIES AWARD TITLES
1.
Combined Studies award titles may be used to appropriately recognise
successful completion of a programme of study in a particular subject
area or areas when a student negotiates an individualised programme
of study in one or more subjects (sometimes with transfer of credit for
prior learning), or when a student has otherwise not completed a route
leading to the usual award title. The latter occurs, for instance, when
students do not complete one or more of the core modules prescribed
for a programme but do nevertheless complete the required number of
modules from the group to justify a named award.
2.
Whether the negotiation of an alternative programme of study arises
from necessity or desire, both the student and the relevant programme
authority should be satisfied that the learning outcomes to be achieved
through completion of the alternative programme are appropriate for the
title and level of the proposed award. This will require a process of
academic counselling to take place, with subsequent, written approval
of the alternative programme at the level of the School Assessment
Board before registration is confirmed or amended.
3.
In all cases, of course, students must have obtained the required
number of credits at the appropriate levels to qualify for the award in
question, as specified in the Academic Regulations on the Operation of
Programmes of Study and in the Assessment Regulations for
Undergraduate Modular Programmes.
Rules
Single subject
Combined Studies in Subject A
Joint subjects
Subject A and Combined Studies in Subject B
Combined Studies in Subject A and Subject B
Major/minor
Subject A with Combined Studies in Subject B
Combined Studies in Subject A with Subject B
Minor/minor/minor
Combined Studies in Subject A with Subject B with Subject C
The phrase ‘in Subject x' can be omitted in those cases so marked
above to account for other possibilities, e.g. where there is insufficient
subject identity to (that part of) the programme to warrant a subject title
at all. Generic award titles (e.g. Humanities, Science, and Technology)
will need to be proposed by Schools if they wish to use them. They
might then be used in place of ‘Subject x’ should the student’s
programme warrant it.
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ANNEX C
Supplementary Regulation for the use of Elective modules
1
Scope
This supplementary regulation shall apply to students who have undertaken a
programme of study leading to a joint award who commenced their studies
prior to the 2014-15 academic session. This regulation should be read in
conjunction with the assessment regulations for undergraduate programmes
2
Elective Modules
(i)
Students may take an agreed number of electives as part of their programme
of study but shall be subject to any specific requirements and mandatory
curricula for their awards which are laid down in the regulations for their
programme.
(ii)
Students whose programme of study includes a module taken as an Elective
from another programme of study will have such a module assessed by the
appropriate module tutor concerned and this assessment will be verified by
the subject external examiner.
(iii)
The results of an elective module will be transmitted from the host Module
Results Board to the Assessment Board ultimately responsible for the
student's overall programme of study and be subject to that Board's
assessment regulations on progression and reassessment.
3
Admission to Modules
Admission to individual modules will be at the discretion of the relevant
programme authorities based upon academic grounds, and upon the
minimum and maximum permissible student numbers allowable, as
determined from year to year by the School concerned.
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Equality Impact Assessment
“The University of Bolton is committed to the promotion of equality, diversity and a
supportive environment for all members of our community. Our commitment to
equality and diversity means that this policy has been screened in relation to the use
of plain English, the promotion of the positive duty in relation to race, gender and
disability and avoidance of discrimination to other equality groups related to age,
sexual orientation, religion or belief or gender reassignment.”
Other Related Policies
Monitoring and Review
Dissemination of and Access to the Policy
ASSESSMENT REGULATIONS FOR UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMMES
Policy ref: SEO/1
Version number
02
Version date
9th July 2015
Name of Developer/Reviewer
Richard Gill/Andy Graham
Policy Owner (Group/Centre/Unit)
SEO
Person responsible for implementation
Examination Board Chairs, Executive
(postholder)
Deans, SEO
Approving committee/board
Senate
Date approved
25th June 2014
Effective from
September 2014 (see also ‘scope’ in
main document)
Dissemination method e.g. website
Website
Review frequency
Every three years
Reviewing committee
Senate
Consultation history (individuals/group
Drafts of the original regulation have
consulted and dates)
been considered by:
Education Committee
Senate
Heads of Schools
Document history (e.g. rationale for and
This version incorporates a clarification
dates of previous amendments)
related to Foundation Years, approved at
Senate in March 2015, changes in
departmental nomenclature and in
qualification titles (approved through the
validation process in line with PSRB
requirements).
24